The loop line between Annfield Plain and Pelton was built by the North Eastern Railway (NER), and opened for freight trains on 1 January 1886.[1][2] This deviation line allowed several steep rope-worked inclines (on the former Pontop and South Shields Railway section of the old Stanhope and Tyne Railway) to be avoided.[3] Passenger stations on the loop line, including Shield Row, were opened on 1 February 1894.[4] The final section of the deviation between Pelton and Birtley was opened for freight trains in 1893, and for passenger trains in 1896.[5]
On 1 January 1923 the NER amalgamated with other companies to form the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER).[6] On 1 February 1934 the LNER renamed the station West Stanley.[7]
The station was closed to regular passenger services on 23 May 1955.[8]
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